Chuseok is just days away… and many people across the island will be wondering how much it will cost to hold ancestral rites this year. We took a look at the prices of different food items that are placed on ancestral tables. Joseph Kim reports.

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Yeo-hwa / Yeon-dong, Jeju City
About 250,000 won. It’s expensive but… we have to hold the ancestral rites…
<인터뷰:김여화/제주시 연동>
"한 25만 원, 부담돼도 할 수 없죠. 조상 모시는 명절이니까.."

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Gwi-soon / Aewol-eup, Jeju City
It cost about 170,000 to 180,000 won before. But now it’s about 240,000 to 250,000 won.
<인터뷰:김귀순/제주시 애월읍>
"그 전에는 한 17~18만 원에 했는데 이제는 24~25만 원 있어야 해요."

With one of the biggest national holidays soon upon us, families are worried that the cost of holding traditional ancestral rites this Chuseok will put a dent in their wallets.

According to the Jeju Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s analysis on the 26 food items used for ancestral rites...



The price of spinach is currently 3,050 won for 400 grams… which is down 53 percent from a year ago… and gosari (고사리) is also 30 percent cheaper this year at 4,200 won.

But shiitake mushrooms are 40 percent more expensive than last year… at 11,500 won per 150 grams. The prices of apples and pears are similar to a year ago. Five apples currently cost 12,500 won and a pear costs 14,250 won.

Pork is 30 percent more expensive… at 17,600 won per 600 grams… and beef is 24 percent more pricey… at 28,000 won per 600 grams.



[slug]
Save up to 30% with traditional market gift certificates



Altogether, the cost for holding ancestral rites this Chuseok is expected to average 203,000 won… two percent higher than in 2014.


[camera]
Hyeon Gwang-hoon

For the budget-conscious, you can save up to 30 percent with traditional market gift certificates.

[reporter]
Joseph Kim

Discounts are also available on specific days at major shopping marts or Hanaro Mart.

Joseph Kim KCTV